On July 12, 1664, the cannons placed on the Walls near Porta San Donato were fired in honor of San Paolino, but accidentally the shots were directed at the crowd present in the area. There were no deaths or injuries and the miracle was attributed to San Paolino. Every year, in memory of the event, the city celebrates with religious celebrations, demonstrations and historical re-enactments, musical events, markets and neighborhood parties. One of the most anticipated moments is the Palio della balestra, with the crossbowmen of the city's districts, San Paolino, San Salvatore and San Martino, who compete for the palio created every year by a contemporary author.

July 11

8:30 pm - Basilica of San Paolino | Luminara di San Paolino parade of historical groups along the streets of the historic center.

9:00 pm - Piazzale Arrigoni | Reading of the Proclamation, blessing and performance of the companies and drawing of the firing order

July 12

10:30 am - Basilica of San Paolino. Solemn Pontifical presided over by Mons. Paolo Giulietti Archbishop of Lucca.

1:00 pm - Cannoniera del Baluardo di San Donato. Rumour of the artillery in memory of the Miracle of San Paolino of July 12, 1664.

9:30 pm - Piazzale Verdi/Piazza San Michele /Piazzale Arrigoni. Historical processions

10:00 pm - Piazzale Arrigoni. 50th Crossbow Palio in honor of San Paolino. MORE INFO